Self-proclaimed “church singer” and Sunday Best alum Jermaine Sellers is Entertainment Weekly’s #1 pick among this season’s American Idol contestants from Boston and Atlanta.
According to EW.com, while Sellers could stand to lose the “Wanya-itis” (a reference to Boyz II Men frontman Wanya Morris, known for his vocal acrobatics), he could be just the contestant to reverse the show’s poor track record “with regard to showcasing black singers with a legitimate shot at the crown.”
That’s great for Jermaine!
Shout-out to a faithful GospelPundit reader, Mia, for the heads-up on this story!
Have you guys been watching the auditions? What did you think of Jermaine’s audition? How do you think he compares to the other folks we’ve seen get through to Hollywood? Talk to me!
I havent been watching American Idol as of late, but I am curious as to what the different views on him from the Sunday Best judges versus the American Idol judges...
LOL @ Wanya-itis!! If he wants a real shot at this, he definitely has to lose the acrobatics, or at the very least, bring it down to a minimum. The runs ain't gon' help him when it's country night or they're signing the Queen Catalogue or something ridculous like that. If they have a Stevie Wonder night, he's a shoo-in.
Totally agree and think he could win and agree he should tone down the Wanya- itis a bit ....( never heard that term b4...lol)
I like him, but he's definitely gonna need to look out for another Jermaine....Jermaine Purifoy! He did a BEAUTIFUL rendition of "Smile" last night. I played it back 3 times on my DVR! Effortless. I'ono Sellers...AI is a different ballgame bro!
Let me keep things real. First, Jermaine Sellers is a STAR. I pray he wins because I've followed him since Sunday's Best. What makes me angry and frustrated is how our church folks and Christian establishment continues to sleep on our brothers and sisters in Christ, so then they are forced to go out and use non-Christian arenas to get noticed. He was top 3 on Sundays Best, and at least ONE record label should have offered him a deal that he couldn't refuse!! This happend to my daughter. She performed at a gospel talent showcase that was attended by GREAT music producers, record executives and such from gospel. She was only 9 at the time, and blew EVERYONE OUT THE WATER! In fact when she got up, you heard the gasps in the audience.....everyone took notice. Well, she was the youngest contestant and got no love, not even a pat on the back. That same year, I told her to sing that very song with the same dress and everything to a secular audience....the rest is history and now she is signed to a major contract for singer/acting dancing and modeling with those who have launced The Jonas Brothers and others. When are we going to step up to the plate as Christians and stop sleeping on our own talent? Congrats Jermaine!!!!!!!! Do your thing, baby! You are awesome, and the world finally gets to hear you!
Buh bye Jermaine Sellars, Jermaine Purifoy has arrived.
Jermaine is talented...i enjoy his more toned down version of himself...when he goes up into his higher range his voices gets less controlled and a little grating...that won't fly on AI unless he's doing the rock thing...i haven't heard the purifoy cat...gotta look him up
I think his audition was really good.He came in the room representing that yes he's a church singer instead of shying away from what he does.So I definetly hopes that he wins but more importantly I pray that he continues to represent Christ even in Hollywood.Something I remember Mandisa and George Huff saying in interviews was that even though they were in the midst of darknes they still shined the light in the way that they lived in front of the contestants.So do your thing Jermaine!!!!!!!!
his audition was kewl the judges said he was the best in ATL it was just ok imo his sunday best audition was betta and he was hoarse..there was a guy in atl who had cancer his Tone was AMAZING i almost lost my mind...but go jermaine im surely rootin for yu
I saw both Jermaines (as I am and have always been an AI junkie :)) I tell you what...they both delivered and I'm curious to see what the outcome is. Jermaine S. definately needs to tone the runs down a notch but not to the point where he loses himself. I too liked the fact that Jermaine S. didn't shy away from the church boy that he is. That's a blessing! Let's pray that he maintains that. The other Jermaine is Smooooothhh...great voice. Good to see some real vocal talent from 'us'.
Hey EJ, I remember you saying he was going to be on there, but when I saw him I was still pleastantly surprised. Still a nice voice. I hope someone sees him and gives him a chance, he seems to be a very nice young man. I'm curious to see how he sings the songs they give him b/c that's when it all shows...I will be praying for him!
Jermaine Purifoy had a nice audition but I don't know why that suddenly means "bye bye" to Jermaine Sellers. Does American Idol have stipulations that only 1 contestant of the exact first name can compete? I don't know about JP but apparently JS made it to the Top 24 in Hollywood week so it's not "bye bye" just yet.
I don`t even remember seeing him audition, but that is shocking. I am not a big fan of American Idol, but I guess it is good news. Morever Mandisa was on the show,but when she got eliminated, she starting singing Gospel, so that was a good thing. I personally don`t think winning American Idol is all that serious,use what God give you;you don`t have to go to perform for secular artists.
And why did Christians did not stand behind Mandisa when she was going through all this persecution when she was on AI? I cannot understand that... I believe the Christians did shun her and did not speak out about what she went through.
UPDATE: Jermaine is NOT doing well on AI. AT ALL! Idol is all about the melody with cleavor, artistic hints of individuality. I hope he turns it around next week...